As sweater weather will linger in Victoria through March, travelers visiting this winter and into early 2024 will have ample opportunity to get cozy! Whether snuggling by a warm fire or escaping the cold in a nearby cafe, there are plenty of opportunities for a cozy season in British Columbia’s quaint capital city on the water, Victoria, BC.
Warm by the Fire
What better way to enjoy the wonders of winter than by getting toasty next to a fire with incredible views of the sparkling Inner Harbour? The Fairmont Empress is serving ultimate comfort on its Veranda patio, where guests and visitors can gather around the fire to roast marshmallows, enjoy seasonal hot beverages, and indulge in the finest cheese or chocolate fondue.
Enjoy more toasty sweet treats at Parkside Hotel & Spa’s rooftop marshmallow roast. Gather around one of the rooftop garden fire pits and enjoy locally made marshmallows with all the s’more trimmings, including Victoria’s very own chocolatier, Rogers Chocolates!
Nestled in historic Bastion Square, the Garrick’s Head Pub has been a Victoria fixture since 1867. Cozy up by the fireplace and taste a flight of over 50 local craft beers on tap.
Cozy up in LURE Restaurant & Bar's heated dining domes, which are perfect for a magical night overlooking the harbour.
Treat yourself to a blissful, relaxing moment with a warm cup of tea and a spa treatment of your choice at Spa Magnolia at the Magnolia Hotel and Willow Steam Spa at the Fairmont Empress. For a soak in a heated pool, be at ease at the Boathouse Spa at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel and the Spa at Brentwood Bay. Pure bliss.
The quaint charm of Victoria’s bookstores is a bibliophile’s dream. Venture into Munro’s Books to discover a vast collection amidst architectural elegance, or explore Russell Books for a soothing break in your day. Bastion Books offers a cozy nook for the avid reader, while Tanner’s Books up in Sidney provides a community-centric space for literary exploration.
Nestle up in a stunning Victorian setting at The Pendray Inn and Tea House. This gorgeous mansion is full of history and charm, just steps away from the harbor, and offers a reprieve from winter weather with a warm cup of tea.
Snug Attractions
Sweat it out at Victoria’s newest and most unique sauna experience - HAVN. The refurbished 1943 navy barge has been transformed to feature lush green spaces atop the deck and numerous saunas and hot tubs to stay hot.
Float the Upper Harbour with up to six friends in a Hot Tub Boat. On each trip, boats are filled with fresh, hot water and heat is maintained with the onboard heating stove fueled by briquettes.
Take a carriage around downtown Victoria for a romantic and historic cozy adventure. Tally Ho celebrated 120 years of servicing Victoria as the area’s first tourism-focused transportation company.